Max�s Daily Diaries

Hi Kah Yein,

Max and I have�been keeping so busy that we’re behind on updating you on Max’s dairy.

Apart from his daily physio sessions to keep his muscles stretched and work towards more normal joint range, Max has started swimming. First I had him in a big tub at home, with his float coat and warm water, Max had a smile on his face. I was encouraged to try this out as Max loves playing with his water dish and often I find that he has both his paws in his water dish. If he indeed has some Springer blood, as his features seem to indicate,�then he may well be a at home on both land and water as Springers are gundogs who retrieve from both land and water.

Epsom salts and Lavender are added to his bath swim. Epsom salts are a naturally occurring mineral known as magnesium sulfate, commonly used�as bath salts�for humans. It can be used both�externally and internally.

This detox bath�of magnesium sulfate helps remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. It also stimulates the pancreas to create additional digestive enzymes, and sulfate on its own strengthens the walls of�the digestive tract, making it easier to release toxins.

The combination of Epsom salt�s sedative and detox effects make it a potent treatment for sore muscles and joint pain.

Epsom salt also has a sedative effect on the nervous system.The body needs magnesium to bind serotonin, the brain�s feel-good chemical, but stress and excess adrenaline can drain the body of magnesium. Taking an Epsom salt bath can help restore the body�s levels and naturally relieve stress.

I also use this bath and soak for my dog Hopie who was paralysed before and has recovered but is now going through a difficult time and her legs are weak and stiff. It really relaxes her and gives a her a good night’ sleep.

Since the joints of Max’s hind legs are hyperextending, especially at the ankles/hock, I have made him a pair of soft hock braces to provide more support and lessen the stress on his hock joints. He’s been more active with the braces on.

Part of the struggle is Max is relatively inactive compared to a puppy his age. It is possibly due to his disability that he is less motivated to move around as much as the others. So the challenge for me has been to find ways to engage him in activity aimed at strengthening his core muscles. These are the muscles that will help him to continue to life himself up and move around, albeit in a bunny hopping fashion but still that means he has mobility and function. What is most important is that he has function and mobility�which is�not necessarily perfection.

I have spoken to Jacinta and Kelly who have agreed that I will care for Max and work with him for the total duration of a month.

I also suggestd to jacinta and Kelly that we make efforts to get Max a forever home to which they readily agreed. So if there is a home out there and someone who is interested in adopting Max, please do call me, Lydia�at 017-6623238.

Max will needs someone who will commit a bit of time each day for his strengthening exercises to ensure that he continues to grow strong as his size and weight increases over time to adulthood.

best regards,

Mini Max and Me

�Hind leg braces.

�Max’s 2nd acupuncture session.

�Max’s bath formula.

�Reiki for Max.

�Resting while Sunshine exercises.
(Sunshine is still up for adoption!)

Strengthening exercises.

�Tub swimming.

Walking with ankle brace.

Back in the pen.

Flat out after exercise!

�Gentle giant guardian.

�Making a new friend.

�Tired after swim.

We haven’t been able to find a home for Sunshine so far, but we are still looking. Max is looking for a home too, and as per Lydia’s email, Max needs an adopter who will continue his daily exercise.

We would truly appreciate it very much if you could please forward this link to your friends and help both Sunshine and Max find good homes. If Sunshine and Max can find homes, Lydia would be able to help more animals who need her skills and expertise.

About Sunshine:�http://myanimalcare.org/2012/08/09/sunshine-courage-ready-for-adoption/

Last but not least, thank you so much, Lydia!